OKC Thunder forward Kevin Durant is the type of player who throws a lob pass and checks in with the scorer's table to make sure they are aware it wasn't a shot attempt. That is to say he cares about being efficient and getting the most out of every shot.

He's long held the title of the NBA's most efficient star, but, in the nine games since Russell Westbrook went down, Durant doesn't feel that title applies.

Kevin Durant (AP Photo)

“I'm not doing enough to help them,” Durant told The Oklahoman. “I'm shooting too much. I'm shooting too many 3s. I'm not helping them out at all. So it's not on them.”

Westbrook underwent knee surgery and missed his first game on Dec. 27. Over the past nine games since then, Durant has taken 199 shots and his average shot attempts per game have gone up each month, from 17.7 in November, 19.4 in December and, finally, 21.3 in January. His 3-point shots have taken a similar trajectory and he has topped out at 7.0 3-pointers per game in January.

Without Westbrook, Durant is charged with creating more for teammates, which is part of the reason he's being hard on himself. Reggie Jackson is a capable replacement, as he showed last postseason, but he's still learning to create after occupying the role of scoring guard for much of his basketball life.

Durant, the NBA's leading scorer at 29.6 points, has become more aggressive on offense as a result of Westbrook's absence. In the month of January, he's putting up 34.0 points per game and he has scored 48 points twice in the last five games. He took 66 shots to score those 96 points in games against the Wolves and Jazz.

That sounds glamorous, but it's not the Durant approach. And he said as much in an interview with The Oklahoman.

“The first few games without Russell, we did a great job moving the ball,” Durant said. “I think now I'm just flat out shooting too much. I have to find a way to get my teammates easier shots."

"I've been thinking these last few games in order for us to get it going I have to do it all offensively. But, nah, we have to do it together. It's a great learning experience for me. It's the first time I've really been in that type of position. But I just have to get everybody involved. I may have to pass up a few to find a better shot.”

Durant has made concessions on occasion in regard to his shot selection this season, considering he has averaged 5.8 assists in January, which is a season high. That is also a product of Durant having the ball in his hands, of course. And because he has the ball more, Durant feels the burden to be better, both for himself and teammates.

Thunder coach Scott Brooks appreciates that about Durant. He knows that his best player is never satisfied.

“That's what I love about him,” Brooks said. “He's always tough on himself.”